Gun manufacturing plan approved

The Blooming Grove Township supervisors have unanimously approved a land development plan for Kahr Firearms Group. The gun manufacturer, currently located in Pearl River, NY, plans to construct corporate headquarters and a manufacturing plant in the Pike County Business Park at Route 434 and Well Road.

“I think we have a good set of plans in front of us and a good project,” board of supervisors chairman Randy Schmalzle said during a land-development hearing on November 4 for Saeilo Manufacturing Industries, Kahr’s parent company

The plan was approved at the supervisors’ regular monthly meeting that followed. The township had previously approved the company’s request for a conditional-use permit. The next step for Saeilo is to apply for building permits.

The Blooming Grove chairman complimented Saeilo’s representatives with presenting well-prepared plans that deal with lot five of the vacant business park, where Kahr proposes to construct a 60,000-square-foot, one-story building for corporate offices and a manufacturing facility.

Milford-based lawyer John Stieh, representing Saeilo, told the board, “Thank you very much for all the courtesy you’ve given us.”

Hawley lawyer Anthony Waldron, representing residents of the business park’s neighbor Camelot Forest community development, addressed concerns regarding flooding related to stormwater management practices during and after construction due to earth disturbances. The lawyer also expressed concerns about whether tree stumps and other debris would be removed from the property.

Hoffman said the debris would be properly disposed. He also said that, due to stricter requirements by the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the company will be required to address the amount of storm runoff by directing excess water through retention basins, culvert pipes and buffers. Kahr also must protect the quality of the water emitting into the wetlands and drainage areas.

Stieh also noted that the township will not have to worry about cleaning ditches or plowing roads or other maintenance work at the facility. “The township will not be responsible for the infrastructure,” he said.

Another concern expressed by residents was the possibility of blasting. Stieh said if blasting occurs the company is required by law to notify residents within 1,000 feet. Supervisor Nicholas Mazza noted blasting is “down to a science” and is not likely to impact the neighborhood.